Interesting Tools That Doctors Use

Core Learning Experience + Supplies and Equipment

​​Set out a collection of real or play tools, instruments or other items that medical workers us in the course of treating sick people or keeping us healthy. Some items might be:thermometer, stethoscope, tongue depressor, otoscope (ears), blood pressure cuff, syringe (without the needle), empty medication container, ophthalmoscope (eyes), reflex hammer, bandage, Band-aid, cotton balls, pad and pen for prescription, mini flashlight, scale and growth chart etc. Explore and discuss.

Possible/Expected Discoveries

  • ​​ Medical workers such as doctors and nurses go to school for many years to learn how to take care of us when we are sick, and to give us advice about good health.
  • When you visit the doctor’s office, or a hospital, you will see different tools and machines that medical workers use in their work. Some are small, and some are so big that they have to stay in one place because they are very heavy to move. Some diagnostic machines are X-ray machines, ultrasound, CT scanners and MRI imaging equipment. Show photos

Extended Learning and Other Curriculum Areas

  • ​​Create a bag (collage) that a doctor might carry some instruments in. Teacher cut a double-sided bag shape from construction paper. Children glue cotton balls, stick band-aids, tongue depressors, clip art thermometers, stethoscopes and otoscopes.
  • Set up a doctors’ office, with a waiting room. Have a receptionist talk to the patient and fill in the insurance, and a table of books and magazines. Have a play doctor kit available.
  • Measure and weigh the children with a step-on scale and a tape measure. Write down the results, and give to each child to take home.
  • Paint with cotton swabs and cotton balls.

Activity Packs and Printables

Websites

Books